Madison Keys and Alexander Zverev: a Tale of Two Minds
Locker Room
February 3, 2025
Madison Keys and Alexander Zverev cried very different tears after their respective finals at the Australian Open.
And the contrasting fortunes of these two players illustrate perfectly what a beautifully psychological sport tennis is.
Madison Keys and her scintillating game was the highlight of the Australian Open – and we can’t wait to see her in action at Wimbledon 2025.
Her success was so unexpected – at least by those outside her camp. The American had enjoyed a long and successful career. But there had been no majors – and plenty of injuries.
The closest she had come to Grand Slam glory had been the US Open final back in 2017, where she was blown away by Sloane Stephens.
Even Madison doubted whether she would ever get another chance. But then something extraordinary happened.
Keys explained: ‘I had to go through some tough things. I looked at myself in the mirror and tried to work on the internal pressure I was putting on myself.
‘I finally got to the point where I was proud of myself, with or without a Grand Slam. Letting go of that internal talk gave me the ability to go out and play some really good tennis.’
That’s an understatement. Her victories against Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka were simply sensational. They were far more unlikely than a Sascha Zverev victory against Jannik Sinner.
Madison Keys swung freely and bravely because she lost her fear of failure. That makes her a contender for Wimbledon 2025 – along with several other Americans.
Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro will all believe they have the class to go deep on the manicured lawns of west London.
But what of Zverev? He can only win Wimbledon 2025 if he undergoes the same change in mindset that sparked Madison’s glory-charge.
The best thing Zverev can do right now is speak to Madison at length. His mentality is far too negative right now. After being defeated by Sinner he spoke like a man without hope.
Zverev said: ‘I’m serving better than him but that’s it. He does everything else better than me. He moves better than me. He hits his forehand better than me.
‘He hits his backhand better than me. He returns better than me. He volleys better than me.’
So how did Zverev come within two points of taking the second set in the Melbourne final? Why were so many long rallies so close?
Madison Keys could easily have succumbed to the supposed superiority of her more celebrated and successful opponents. She refused.
Sascha has the firepower and all-round game to win a Grand Slam. But does he have the psychological strength to forget the burden of a major and enjoy himself fearlessly? Not right now. He needs Madison’s mindset!
Come to Wimbledon 2025 to watch all the stars. Call us and we’ll make sure you’re there.